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Letters of the Rambam

Letters of the Rambam

The Rambam was certainly an intellectual with elitist tendencies but he also expressed great sympathy and warmth to those in distress. His letters reveal this other side of Rambam's personality. In this class, we shall study Rambam's letters to Yemen, to forced converts to Islam, to a convert to Judaism named Ovadia as well as his letter regarding the resurrection controversy.

About Rabbi Yitzchak Blau
Rabbi Yitzchak Blau teaches at Midreshet Lindenbaum and the Orayta Yeshiva and has previously taught at Yeshivat Hamivtar and at the Yeshivah of Flatbush High School. He has published articles on many areas of Jewish thought as well as a book of aggadic interpretations, "Fresh Fruit and Vintage Wine: The Ethics and Wisdom of the Aggada," published by Ktav. Rabbi Blau has a BA in English Literature from YU, an MA in Medieval Jewish History from Revel, and semikha from RIETS. Rabbi Blau lives in Alon Shevut with his wife and four children.

Class Resources & Information

Towards the end of his career, Rambam wrote a letter defending his belief in physical resurrection. This opening shiur will providethe background to this letter and begin to analyze the letter itself. Why did some think that Rambam denied resurrection? Why did Rambam emphasize the non corporeal existence of olam haba more than tehiyat hametim? I look forward to learning with you.

We will finish this letter and address the following question. Since Rambam thinks the world to come is not corporeal, why does he still affirm belief in physical resurrection? We shall also explore the role of miracles in Rambam’s thought and touch upon his view of the messianic era. I look forward to learning with you

In 1172, the Jewish community of Yemen wrote a letter to Rambam asking for guidance. They were suffering from persecution, forced conversion, messianic pretenders, doubt, and depression. Rambam wrote a response that helped make him a heroic figure in the Yemenite community up to this day. This shiur will explore Rambam's approach towards consoling this community.

This shiur will explore the claim that Humash alludes to Mohammed's prophetic status.We will also investigate the nature of prophecy and the worth of messianic speculation. In this letter, Rambam lays down guidelines for biblical interpretation and for responding to prophetic claims. I look forward to learning with you.

A convert named Ovadia wrote to Rambam with three questions. This week's shiur will explore his first question. Can a convert say "the God of our forefathers" in prayer or is this uttering an untruth? The analysis will also shed light on the status of converts in Judaism. I look forward to learning with you. .

Ovadia asked Rambam about statements in Hazal implying some kind of determinism. In his response, Rambam affirms human freedom and also discusses a gemara which states that Hashem declares a person's marriage partner forty days before birth. Is choosing a spouse predetermined or subject to the contingencies of human choice? We will explore several sources regarding this question.

In the third and final part of this letter, Rambam responds to Ovadia who had mentioned a debate Ovadia had with his teacher regarding the status of Islam. His teacher insulted him during the argument. Rambam offers his own evaluation of lslam and then proceeds to analyze our affection for converts. I look forward to learning with you. YB

In his famous Iggeret Hashemad, Rambam addresses when a Jew is obligated in martyrdom and how to relate to those who verbally affirmed Islam under duress. We shall mention a revolutionary theory that Dr. Haym Soloveitchik advanced about this letter and analyze its cogency. I look forward to learning with you.Y Blau